IHMC Designated Bronze-level Bike-Friendly Workplace

IHMC is officially a bike-friendly work place.

The League of American Bicyclists recognized IHMC as a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Business (BFBSM). IHMC joins a cutting-edge group of nearly 1,200 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies across the United States that have a bike-friendly designation. “The business community’s investment in bicycling is playing a central role in making the country a safer, happier, and more sustainable place to live and work,” said Amelia Neptune, League Bicycle Friendly Business Program Manager. “We applaud this new round of businesses, including IHMC, for leading the charge in creating a bicycle-friendly America for everyone.”

The designation lasts for four years, and is renewable thereafter. Before that, IHMC can re-apply for a higher designation. Tim Bustos, Principal at Sustainable Transportation Planning & Design commented, “On behalf of Bike Pensacola, I’d like to congratulate IHMC on being awarded a “Bicycle Friendly Business” award at the “Bronze Level.” The criteria developed by LAB is challenging at best, so many businesses don’t even get an “honorable mention” the first time they apply. The fact that IHMC came in at the Bronze level the first time around demonstrates their commitment to a more bikeable community, and all area residents benefit from their efforts.”

Several IHMC employees bike to and from the Pensacola location, and the Institute has its own bikes for employees to use. In Ocala, research scientist Kristy Hollingshead frequently bikes to work.

“IHMC is actually one of the best places I’ve worked at in terms of how easy and convenient it is to bike to work. The bike parking is easily accessible, closer even than the parking lot, and we have showers (and even a hair dryer!) for those hot and sticky Florida days,” Hollingshead said. “It’s a great way to start the day, cruising through the local neighborhoods and seeing the morning light on the ponds in Tuscawilla park, and a peaceful way to end the work day. I get in some exercise, save on gas, and keep my car’s mileage down – a win-win-win in my book!”

In Pensacola, research associate Tim Hutcheson rides his bike to work each day, including home for lunch midday. “I’m particularly fortunate that IHMC is only about 4 miles from my house, so I have a quick ride and hardly work up a sweat – but it’s enough to get aerobic four times a day. Using the back streets and sidewalks, I get a chance to think about my job at the institute. Some of my most creative ideas come to me while riding the bike. And I get the fun of dodging the crazy baby squirrels just out of the nest in the spring. Great way to start and finish the day!”

IHMC is also proudly participating as a Pensacola refreshing station offering breakfast and robotics lab tours to people biking to work on Bike to Work Day this Friday, May 20, 2016 between 7 and 9:30 am.

Learn more about the League’s Bicycle Friendly Business program at bikeleague.org/business.